Shah sees govt’s malafide intent in PIA privatization

Talking to media here, Shah demanded the government to pay all the debts and hand the national flag carrier over to workers union on a trial period of one year. He said the airline be privatized in case the workers’ union fails to run it.

“Nearly 55 percent of PIA expenses are spent on petrol, which has now reduced to 21 percent,” he claimed. “The government despite the deficit recruited 1000 people, while it is still appointing favorite people on a hefty monthly package.”

Shah said nearly 150 airlines were closed worldwide from 2001 to 2011, yet the respective governments provided them with bailouts, lamenting that the government has failed in restoring the economy in spite of imposing new taxes worth Rs 44 billion.

He noted that so far the government has obtained both internal and external loans worth Rs 4 trillion, which is a record, while it earned Rs 1.1 trillion due to slump in petrol prices internationally.

“Despite all this, the economy is declining and inflation is at its peak in the country,” he slammed.

Moreover, Khursheed Shah said that the present regime failed on every front from agriculture sector to population control.